Drowning Deaths Among Children and Adults Are Rising in the United States
Increase in Drowning Deaths in the United States: Data and Prevention Tips
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that drowning deaths are increasing in the country after decades of decline. Between 2020 and 2022, an average of more than 4,500 people drowned annually, representing an increase of 500 deaths per year compared to 2019.
The CDC report highlights that young children and older adults are the age groups most affected by this issue:
- Children ages 1 to 4: experienced a 20% increase in drowning deaths. It is the leading cause of unintentional injury death in this age group.
- Adults over 65: saw a 19% increase in drowning deaths.
Lack of access to swimming lessons is considered a significant contributing factor to this rise.
Key Data on Drowning in the United States:
- Approximately 10 people drown every day in the United States.
- Florida records up to 500 drowning deaths per year.
- Drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury death in children ages 1 to 4.
- African American children and those from low-income families are less likely to know how to swim.
Tips to Prevent Drowning:
- Learn to swim: Everyone, including children, should learn basic swimming and CPR.
- Constant supervision: Children should be closely supervised by an adult when near or in water, even in shallow pools.
- Barriers: Install four-sided fences with self-latching gates around backyard pools.
- Life jackets: Use Coast Guard-approved life jackets for children in natural bodies of water, even if they know how to swim.
- Avoid distractions: Adults supervising children near water should avoid distractions such as cell phones or alcohol.
Additional Resources:
- For more information on drowning prevention, visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/drowning/index.html
- The International Life Saving Federation also offers resources on drowning prevention: https://www.ilsf.org/about/history/fis/
Remember: drowning is preventable. By taking the proper precautions and providing constant supervision, you can help keep your loved ones safe around water.
